Anyone worked ICU and NICU at the same time??

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2014

It would certainly be possible, especially if adult ICU was only PRN.

ICURN3020 · Sep 9, 2014

A red flag popped up in my mind as soon as I read the title, without even reading your post.

I guess it could be done if you were hypervigilant about keeping all of your different parameters and dosages straight. Not to mention being able to call on that knowledge immediately, as would be necessary in an emergency situation. No time for hesitation or to hem-haw around trying to recall or look information up in those situations.

Personally, I would never want to work both ICU and NICU. You're working with already critically ill patients who cannot tolerate an error in dosage or what have you like a more stable patient might. The increased chance of making a mistake due to the fact that you have to keep all of that information straight would make me uneasy. I am actually surprised that an employer would allow a nurse to work both of these units at the same time. Just think of the pathogens you are exposed to in an adult ICU that (I would imagine) rarely, if ever, enter a NICU. Disclaimer: I am not, nor have ever been, a NICU or peds nurse so I may not know what I'm talking about in that last sentence. :shy: From what I've seen/heard about NICU's, strict (like, super-strict, zero tolerance) infection control standards were enforced.

Tack on the fact that you are a newish grad and that widens the margin for error significantly. I say this because experience is so important in nursing. That's an awesome responsibility to take on as a new grad/nurse....not saying it can't be done, but I've seen (and know personally) how easy it can be to make a mistake. It's not a good feeling :nailbiting:

Whatever you decide, good luck to you. Remember that there will always be critics, but only you know what you are capable of and what works best for you. :)

LonghornLillie · Sep 9, 2014

A red flag popped up in my mind as soon as I read the title, without even reading your post.
I guess it could be done if you were hypervigilant about keeping all of your different parameters and dosages straight. Not to mention being able to call on that knowledge immediately, as would be necessary in an emergency situation. No time for hesitation or to hem-haw around trying to recall or look information up in those situations.
Personally, I would never want to work both ICU and NICU. You're working with already critically ill patients who cannot tolerate an error in dosage or what have you like a more stable patient might. The increased chance of making a mistake due to the fact that you have to keep all of that information straight would make me uneasy. I am actually surprised that an employer would allow a nurse to work both of these units at the same time. Just think of the pathogens you are exposed to in an adult ICU that (I would imagine) rarely, if ever, enter a NICU. Disclaimer: I am not, nor have ever been, a NICU or peds nurse so I may not know what I'm talking about in that last sentence. From what I've seen/heard about NICU's, strict (like, super-strict, zero tolerance) infection control standards were enforced.
Tack on the fact that you are a newish grad and that widens the margin for error significantly. I say this because experience is so important in nursing. That's an awesome responsibility to take on as a new grad/nurse....not saying it can't be done, but I've seen (and know personally) how easy it can be to make a mistake. It's not a good feeling
Whatever you decide, good luck to you. Remember that there will always be critics, but only you know what you are capable of and what works best for you. :)

thank you so much for your sincere reply! you definitely make a valid point. after a lot of discerning, I've decided to quit adult ICU altogether and just chase my dream of becoming a NICU nurse. I hope this dream of mine is truly where I belong!

thank you for your insight.

ICURN3020 · Sep 11, 2014

thank you so much for your sincere reply! you definitely make a valid point. after a lot of discerning, I've decided to quit adult ICU altogether and just chase my dream of becoming a NICU nurse. I hope this dream of mine is truly where I belong!
thank you for your insight.

Your welcome! :) Good luck in your new NICU career!!!

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · Sep 13, 2014

We do have a few adult ICU nurses who occasionally float to our NICU. They are treated like any other float (we get floats from the staffing pool, OB, or other random floors that have cross trained) and are only given feeder/growers who are usually on room air and may or may not have a peripheral IV. So far, it hasn't been an issue.

guest769224 · Mar 30, 2015

I want to bump this thread.

I am a new grad going into a Shock-Trauma ICU, which is amazingly cool and I understand how fortunate I am.

Howeverâ€¦My dream career is to be a neonatal nurse practitioner, and I can't start that unless I have NICU experience!

I plan to apply to NICU RN jobs while working adult critical care, and hopefully work both at the same time. I read the above responses alreadyâ€¦does anything think it would be dangerous working both simultaneously?

I am desperate to get into the NICU and don't want to waste any time.. thanks.